Campbell Weatherpak M User manual

11/2020
Copyright © 2020
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
Product Manual

Table of contents
1. System description 1
2. Siting and setup 3
2.1 Siting considerations 3
2.1.1 Compass accuracy 3
2.1.2 Proper wind measurement 4
2.1.3 Radio transmission 4
2.1.4 GPS operation 4
2.2 System assembly 4
2.2.1 INTERCEPT display connections 4
2.2.2 Connecting to a computer with USB to serial converter 6
2.2.3 Connecting to a computer with the Ethernet port 6
2.2.4 Tripod and WEATHERPAKM setup 7
3. System operation 10
3.1 INTERCEPT display functions and operation 10
3.2 Observer section 10
3.2.1 Weather Summary 10
3.2.2 WEATHERPAK 11
3.2.3 Display theme 12
3.2.4 Help 13
3.2.5 Logs 14
3.2.6 Graphs 14
3.3 Maintenance 15
3.3.1 Maintenance Dashboard 15
3.3.2 Settings 16
4. WEATHERPAKM and plume modeling software 16
4.1 ALOHA data line interpretation 20
5. Maintenance 21
5.1 Periodic maintenance schedule 21
5.2 Troubleshooting 21
5.2.1 WEATHERPAKM 21
Table of Contents - i

5.2.2 Data receipt 22
5.2.3 Computer 22
5.3 Replacing tower batteries and fuse 23
5.3.1 Tower batteries 23
5.3.2 Tower fuse 24
Appendix A. Vehicle mounting a WEATHERPAKM 25
Appendix B. WEATHERPAKM USB connection and set up 27
Appendix C. Important information for North American users 29
Table of Contents - ii

1. System description
The WEATHERPAK®M1measures wind speed and wind direction, air temperature, relative
humidity, and barometric pressure. In addition, the WEATHERPAKM calculates the wind stability
class and provides location information. Atmospheric conditions are sampled every second and
the system computes a 5-minute running average. Data is then transmitted every 30 seconds to
the display and plume model.
FIGURE 1-1. WEATHERPAKM with INTERCEPT Display
1WEATHERPAK is a registered trademark of Campbell Scientific.
WEATHERPAK M 1

WEATHERPAKM was specifically designed for use by Hazardous Materials Responders. The
following is a list of some of the features that make the WEATHERPAKM unique:
lWEATHERPAKM features an advanced electronic interface and unique automatic
networking capability. The advanced electronic interface allows the use of GPS and
SmartDetect™ and future enhancements.
lThe ultrasonic wind sensor has no moving parts, is very accurate (particularly at very low
wind speeds), and does not require periodic calibration.
lWEATHERPAKM features a multi-function, 10.1-inch full color, flat panel touch screen
display (INTERCEPT®1Display). Multiple windows display data from different
WEATHERPAKM weather stations.
lAutomatically updates CAMEO®/ALOHA®2and most other plume modeling software
programs.
lBuilt-in electronic compass allows the WEATHERPAKM to be set up in any orientation –
will automatically determine True North and give you true wind direction.
lSet-up time is less than one minute.
lThe electrical connections are designed to be intrinsically safe and the housing and tower
are constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum, a non-corrosive and non-sparking alloy.
lDesigned to withstand decontamination procedures. The WEATHERPAKM housing is
double O-ring sealed and dried with a desiccant to protect the electronics against
moisture.
lAll electronics are grounded at a single point to protect the WEATHERPAKM against EMI
(electro-magnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference), thus assuring
reliable data and transmission.
This manual will familiarize you with the installation, operation, and maintenance of the
WEATHERPAKM. Please read all of the instructions before attempting to operate or troubleshoot
the system.
1INTERCEPT is a registered trademark of Campbell Scientific.
2Both ALOHA and CAMEO are registered by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S.
Department of Commerce FEDERAL AGENCY UNITED STATES.
WEATHERPAK M 2

WEATHERPAKM components:
lUltrasonic wind sensor
lBarometer
lAir temperature and relative sensor
lINTERCEPT display
lDisplay power supply and power cable
lReceiver/display box
lCommunications options:
oWired serial—includes serial cable
oUHF radio—includes two UHF radios, narrow band antenna, and cables
oSpread spectrum radio—includes two spread spectrum radios, spread antenna, and
cable
lMounting options:
oPortable 3 meter quick-deploy tripod—includes tripod and carry case
oPortable telescopic mast—includes mast and carry case
lWEATHERPAKM carry case
lWEATHERPAKM Quick Deploy Guide for assembly and ALOHA
2. Siting and setup
2.1 Siting considerations
The following siting considerations must be addressed:
2.1.1 Compass accuracy
The WEATHERPAKM contains an electronic compass for automatic alignment to True North. To
prevent erroneous compass readings, install the WEATHERPAKM at least 30 meters (99 feet)
laterally from large vans, buses, cranes, or other large magnetic objects. (The top of a van is
suitable, but next to it is not an ideal location).
WEATHERPAK M 3

2.1.2 Proper wind measurement
Locate the WEATHERPAKM away from obstructions such as trees and buildings. The distance
between wind sensors and the nearest obstruction should be ten times the height of the
obstruction.
2.1.3 Radio transmission
Deploy the WEATHERPAKM as close as safety permits to the hot zone. The WEATHERPAKM
UHF radio has a range of 5 to 7 miles line-of-sight.
CAUTION:
Do not attempt to transmit through structures containing steel, or through hills.
2.1.4 GPS operation
There is a GPS receiver inside the INTERCEPT display and a GPS receiver inside the
WEATHERPAKM. These GPS receivers work together and provide data to the SmartDetect™
firmware, which in turn furnishes direction and distance information for additional
WEATHERPAKM stations operating in the vicinity.
The GPS in the INTERCEPT display must be connected to an external GPS antenna. The receiver
will automatically begin to search for and track GPS satellite signals at power up. The antenna
must have good exposure to the sky.
The performance of a GPS receiver at power-up is determined largely by the availability and
accuracy of the satellite ephemeris data and the availability of a GPS system almanac. When the
WEATHERPAKM is powered-up, the GPS searches for satellites from a cold start (no almanac).
The GPS will begin to compute position solutions within the first two minutes.
NOTE:
Immediately power up the WEATHERPAKM system as soon as you arrive on site to allow the
GPS to find the satellite and computer position.
2.2 System assembly
2.2.1 INTERCEPT display connections
The INTERCEPT display is only available for the WEATHERPAKM. It contains the radio receiver.
The radio antenna receives the signal from the WEATHERPAKM using narrow band UHF or
spread spectrum. In addition, a GPS antenna and electronics allow the WEATHERPAKM location
to be shown in relation to the display location.
WEATHERPAK M 4

1. Connect the external GPS and radio antennas to the appropriate connectors on the side of
the INTERCEPT display (see FIGURE 2-1 (p. 5)).
FIGURE 2-1. Side of INTERCEPT display
2. When outputting data to the CAMEO/ALOHA plume modeling software, connect the USB
to serial data cable. (The Ethernet connection will only be used in rare instances where the
INTERCEPT display will be connected to a network).
3. Plug the INTERCEPT display power supply into an AC power source then insert the power
supply barrel connector into the power jack on the bottom of the display and tighten.
FIGURE 2-2. Bottom of INTERCEPT display
WEATHERPAK M 5

4. The power indicator light on the bezel illuminates as the display starts up. The INTERCEPT
application will automatically launch and begin receiving data from any WEATHERPAKM
units available.
FIGURE 2-3. Front of INTERCEPT display
2.2.2 Connecting to a computer with USB to serial
converter
The INTERCEPT display comes with a USB-to-serial converter cable. Use this cable to connect the
display to a computer or server. The INTERCEPT software can be configured to output ALOHA
messages to the display USB ports.
2.2.3 Connecting to a computer with the Ethernet port
This method is to be employed only if the INTERCEPT display must be connected to a network.
Please contact Campbell Scientific for further information. Refer to the Assistance page at the
end of this document for the procedure of returning components to Campbell Scientific.
WEATHERPAK M 6

2.2.4 Tripod and WEATHERPAKM setup
Assemble the tower in the following manner:
1. Insert and lock the legs onto the bottom section of the tower, forming the tower tripod
base.
2. Align the slot on the WEATHERPAKM with the guide pin on the quick release and push
straight in. The cam lock provides a precision sealed fit and may require an extra push to
seat the WEATHERPAKM properly.
CAUTION:
DO NOT screw the WEATHERPAKM onto the cam lock connector.
WEATHERPAK M 7